A new report from the Evangelical Alliance has revealed the extensive social and economic impact of churches and faith groups across Wales, estimating their contribution at more than £250m every year.
Faith in Wales, launched this week, highlights the significant role faith communities play in supporting local areas through social action, community provision and volunteer-led initiatives. The findings show a 49 per cent increase in economic contribution since the previous report in 2008, even after adjusting for inflation.
Rev Canon Tim Rowlands, head of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales, told Premier Christian News the economic headline alone is “pretty impressive… really quite significant,” noting that the figure of £250m “doesn’t take into account faith groups that contribute through tourism.”
The report revealed that 97 per cent of faith communities are engaged in social action. It also noted that places of worship often serve as community hubs, providing essential support for local people. Rowlands said that much of this work is faithful, everyday ministry. “In many ways there’s nothing new here… churches doing what they’ve always done and always do, and can do really, really well,” he said.
He highlighted foodbanks, many of which are hosted in churches, as well as youth clubs and inclusion projects. Asked whether wider society recognises the value of the Church, Rowlands believes there is “an inherent acknowledgement” that local faith groups are doing good, but says the report brings “the stark stats… that there is some good stuff going on.”
Speaking at the launch, Jane Hutt, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, said the Welsh Government deeply values the role of faith communities.
“Faith is important to so many people in Wales," she said. "Our faith communities help their local areas in many ways, promoting equality, social inclusion and community cohesion… I welcome this report, which highlights our shared values of diversity, inclusivity and supporting the vulnerable.”
Looking ahead, Rowlands said the findings should give churches confidence to continue innovating in service of their communities. He pointed to one striking statistic from the report:
“Seventy-seven per cent of faith groups would like to do something new… a new kind of initiative. That’s a great sign of hope for what could come.”
